Local actor Cesar Flores has landed a major role in a feature film called “The Mendoza Line” premiering in Hollister on July 30.
Flores, long associated with El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista, plays a co-starring role in the baseball movie filmed and set in Marysville. Written and directed by Nathan Kaufman, who comes from a documentary film background, “The Mendoza Line” tells the story of a struggling baseball prospect from the Dominican Republic trying to make it in the minor leagues.
“It’s dealing with Latinos in baseball, how they go through the lower ranks,” said Flores, a Hollister resident.
Flores plays Gino Montoya, sent from the baseball club’s headquarters to help straighten out the minor league team based in Marysville.
“I’m just a crusty, old dude that comes in and tries to analyze the players,” Flores said.
Flores has been staying active lately in theater while working with The Western Stage at Hartnell College. He got the movie role through a recommendation and was interviewed for the role on Skype.com.
Flores noted that the movie was filmed last summer. The film crew interacted with the actual Marysville Gold Sox, which took part in the filming as extras as well.
“They were playing Seattle,” Flores said. “It was pretty trippy. They included us all.”
He said the small-budget, independent film paid for his travel expenses and room and board.
“If the movie ever makes it, maybe I’ll get a buck or two,” Flores said.
IF YOU GO:
WHO: Local actor Cesar Flores
WHAT: Local premiere of ‘The Mendoza Line’
WHEN: 7 p.m. July 30
WHERE: Premiere Cinemas, 641 McCray St., Hollister
PRICE: $10 donation to San Benito County Arts Council
